Controversial Austrian coach Max Merkel took charge of Atlético Madrid in advance of the 1971-72 season and went on to enjoy a solid debut year. His new charges finished an unremarkable fourth in La Liga with a 4-1 home win over local rivals Real Madrid the highlight, but it did enjoy trophy success in the Copa del Rey. Barcelona was stylishly defeated home and away in the Quarter Finals en route to a final in which Atlético faced Valencia. That game was won 2-1 with the winner coming from the ever-prolific José Gárate, one part of a brilliant attacking partnership with Luis Aragonés.